Can She Do It Again?

ALLEGRO
September 10 2007, 11:07AM

Well this isn't the first time that OPRAH has dabbled in political endorsements. However, this is probably the biggest scale of her endeavors.

She financially and publicly lent her support to Cory Booker's campaign for Mayor of Newark, NJ. She's even had him on her show.

Black Woman
September 10 2007, 11:46AM

I'm still up in the air as too who I'm going to vote for Obama, Clinton or Edwards. I like them all.

I'm actually concerend about Michelle Obama. She needs to shut-up sometimes. She's too tell it like it is. This scares white people. Let's face it, you can't win without them. So, Michelle please tone down your comments on Obama. I cringe when you talk about how "stinky" your husband is. That's private business not for public consumption. You also need to stop attacking Hilary's marriage. If you must attack Hiliary, don't attack her marriage, she'll gain sympathy. Plus NO marriage is perfect. You never know if infidelity may come knocking at your door.

m
September 10 2007, 12:45PM

We have to make choices in this world, and I have made my decision to CAST A VOTE FOR OBAMA. Just by that being my choice will scare some white people.
Oprah has done what white people have been doing for years endorsing their candidate for president. You go Oprah!!!!!
She made a choice...

MidwestGuy
September 10 2007, 12:58PM

Keith, they are already trying to downplay her influence. We have no idea what her contribution will be until election day. If this is to be such an change election, I say change the way politics works across the board--campaigns, elections and all.

BlackWoman>I don't think Michelle talking about her snoring and stinky husband while framing it around what her "kids say" is scary to white people. The political pundits are the ones who are bothered by it.

If people aren't scared by Rudy's adultery or Clinton's headbanging in the oval office, I can't see why Michelle, talking endearingly about her husband would be.

That is, unless you make it one.

Also, the Michelle attacks Hillary thing is a manufactured lie. She never did.

Please pass the "correct" information along to those who are open to hearing it.

wordzbyche
September 10 2007, 1:19PM

To MidwestGuy: I appreciate your comments, very much.

With respect to Hilary Rodham Clinton being the most admired woman in America, I say this: E-U (haven't the foggiest on how to phenetically spell that typical sound that all the young pre-teens make when remarking on a thing of dislike!) Y'all catch my drift, yea?

Solo
September 10 2007, 1:20PM

Although to be honest I find myself leaning towards supporting John Edwards one of the reasons I like Obama is that unlike a lot of famous African Americans he isn't afraid of being seen standing in the same room with another black person. On some of the other political websites that I frequent the good senator and Oprah were attacked for no other reason other than they were two successful black people working together in a common goal. For some whites that in itself is extremely threatening and unsettling! I was amazed at hearing white people call these two individuals racist simply because they are more successful than they are. Nothing scares whites more than educated blacks who don't pander to them and don't feed their sense of superiority!

Derrick from Philly
September 10 2007, 1:50PM

It's impossible for Barack to be "stinky". He's too skinny to perspire. Must be them damn cigarettes. Cigarettes aint sexy no more.

Cadence
September 10 2007, 2:46PM

Black Woman, M. Obama didn't attack Hillary or her marriage. I believ you are referring to the qoute where Michelle Obama said that "you can't run the White House if you can't run your own house", or something to that effect. That qoute came from Matt Drudge, who is the primve example of what's wrong with the media. This person, who isn't even a real reporter, took that qoute and made it seem like Obama was referring to the Clintons, but in fact the rest of the qoute and the conversation that she was having at the time showed that she was referring to how she and her husband are running the campaign while at the same time parenting their children.

The sad part of that situation is that no news outlet corrected themselves about the story, or even asked themselves why do they continuoulsy go to the Drudge Report for stories.

Equalnox
September 10 2007, 2:47PM

Analysts have said that a Clinton/Obama ticket would be unbeatable. Time will tell if these two will hook up and win the election.

J
September 10 2007, 3:16PM

Michelle is vicious. Everyone one else in the circus is "meh." Her and the honorary black woman(Clinton)should run. We need two sKrong black women in the white house.

Monica
September 10 2007, 3:21PM

@Midwestern guy

I COMPLETELY disagree. Obviously you're educated and have the brain power to look beyond headlines. BUT MOST PEOPLE DO NOT! Why do you think Bush got elected a 2nd time. On surface, these comments are big deal. They're like pebbles creating small waves. Too many waves and you've got a disaster. Some of her comments are reflecting poorly on her and playing out negatively in the press which effects her husbands campaign. Obama's PR machine has had to back pedal, clean up, and explain Michelle's comments. I'm sure this has caused some tension. Surely, you don't think that's winning Obama any converts. People are watching this and it does have an impact.

Edwards maybe the democrats best shot. America is obsessed with white men from the South. Look at most of our presidents.

Cooter, Bubba, and the religious right ain't votin' for Hilliary or Obama. Unfortunately, these inbreds vote in droves. They have political power. Don't believe me? Can you say - BUSH.

Kyon Saucier
September 10 2007, 3:22PM

All I care about is that we get Bush and his cronies out of the White House, bring the troops home whether Al Malaki can get his shit together or not and fix our health care system. If Obama or Hillary can do those things, than so be it! Just get rid of that dipshit and his hypocritical party who are in power out of there!

Equalnox
September 10 2007, 3:33PM

@Blackwoman and Monica

I pretty much agree with you. A wife/spouse can make or break a politicians attempts at winning a public office.

In Columbus, Ohio Mayor Mike Coleman would have been Ohio's first black governor if his wife Frankie hadn't got caught driving drunk and falsified her time card saying she worked hours she didn't work. I would have voted for him regardless of Frankie. However, Mike decided he didn't want to put his family through the magnifiying glass of running for Governor.

Like it or not, the candidate and their spouse are considered to be one entity running for that office.

MidwestGuy
September 10 2007, 4:03PM

Monica, I'm not sure what you disagree w/me on. I think most Americans are not afraid of Michelle Obama talking about how her kids find dad stinky and hate his snoring.

They are not afraid of her talking about how her rock star husband 4gets to take out the trash and still has to come home and plant ant traps.

The backpeddling you speak of is what happens when the media is allowed to make the news. Her supposed comments about Clinton were exactly what Cadence wrote in his/her post. The media made the comments about Clinton, when if she wanted to be critical, could have applied to Rudy.

If you will, please share at least one thing Michelle has said that you personally blve reflects poorly on her. I think this is what the media would lead us to believe. That somehow she shouldn't talk about family life.

So I maintain that these comments are much ado about nothing and if not for the media, this would be no news.

Michelle talks family = WRONG!
Clinton gets head = let's reelect him?

Hunh?

Ostend Street
September 10 2007, 4:03PM

An Obama, Clinton Ticket. Sounds interesting and very threatening to the "Old Boy" political machinery that's been running things for far too long.

elg
September 10 2007, 4:41PM

I still don't know why we have to know that Obama's kids think he "stinks" (if Michelle actually said it). What's the point?

Blue
September 10 2007, 5:14PM

All I know is I hope no damn body goes to the polls and says "I'm gonna vote for him 'cause Oprah says so." What kind of shit is that? I hope people are studying the candidates and trying to make informed decisions. What people fail to realize is the same force - a talk show host - that galvanizes people to buy books and shit should not influence the selection of a person who will lead this country and shift its climate. Just my two cents. And before ya'll jump down my throat I'm not hating on Oprah.

Thomas Jenkins
September 10 2007, 9:10PM

The O has met her match with this and will find out that not everything she touches turns into gold. There is no way on earth that even with her charm, popularity and large audience can she shift the minds of those who count, Southern white women. Unless there is some way he can win a Southern state, he has no chance, good old gal Hillary has this nomination lokced up, and the GOP getting ready for 4 more years of "leadership" and hate mongering.

Not being negative, keeping it real and knowing that in the USA, a black candidate in the South isn't going to get enough white votes to carry a state. And, we all know, half the black folks don't vote in most elections and those who do will go with Hillary.

MD2BnDC
September 10 2007, 9:26PM

It's true that $2,300 is the maximum contribution allowed for an individual ($4,600 if you count both the primary and general election), however, couldn't Oprah use her billions to set up her own 527 political group that would have no spending restrictions? You can read CNN contributor Roland Martin's commentary on the subject here.

GQ
September 11 2007, 2:58AM

Keith, I agree that Obama has nothing to lose by having Oprah's support. Whether she has a signifcant effect on his campaign remains to be seen. Not everything she touches turns to gold. Remember her movie Beloved, that she referred to as her "Baby"? For various reasons, (overmarketing, apathy or people not ready to watch a film about a family living post slavery time), her audience did not respond. That possibility could repeat here. (Yes i realize it's apples and oranges here, but the point is her influence does not guarantee desired results and I'm sure Oprah feels that way despite her intentions) Personally, Obama won't lose votes but his gains would be minor at best. Politics and voting are very different than promoting products like books or music.

Solo
September 11 2007, 5:01AM

I think Oprah might be making a mistake getting to close to the Obama's. The business she's give depends on people liking you and if people who don't like the Obama's begin to she her as an extension of them the ratings of her show might suffer. I think in general it's dangerous career wise for entertainers to get to heavily involve in politics. To reach the heights that Oprah has you have to have broad appeal and you have to stay away from controversy to maintain, politics is anything but not controversial!

Anonymous
September 11 2007, 8:28AM

Oprah: eh.

Obama: eh.

The world: eh.

MidwestGuy
September 11 2007, 9:12AM

We are still (un)admittedly suffering from slave syndrome. That is the root of this "white folks ain't go let no black man..."

Since when have blacks ever waited for the approval of white people to reach for a goal? Tubman, Martin, Thurgood, Madame C. J, Reginald Lewis, Bob Johnson, Rustin, Oprah and even Keith didn't sit idle waiting for the white light. All of them may not have acheived everything they wanted. But, it did/don't stop them from trying.

I would expect the doubts coming from whites but to hear blacks question the appropriate time is disappointing.

Blacks are a voting block no different than any other group. We should vote who can best represents us. If we decide that's not Obama then so be it. That's our collective message.

W/O doubt, if Obama wasn't running and O threw her support around Hillary, the media would welcome it w/open arms, black america would be planning for the inaguration as of y'day, and nothing would be questioned.

I know it and so do u.

Sad hunh?

Thomas Jenkins
September 11 2007, 9:55AM

Some of us live in the real world, and the "slave mentality" is for those who like rap and call them selves a racial slur as a term of "endearment", don't speak proper English or dress like the rest of society or emulate the ghetto lifestyle. In the real world people still have major issues with blacks and black men in particular, although, I don't think Obama has ever even said he is black.

The issue of his being a candidate who can be elected at the end of the day is if white people will vote for him, who are the majority of the voters in this country, not blacks, and that has nothing to do with a "slave mentality: it has to do with race and racism, which usually trumps qualifications, just keeping it real, just ask Harold Ford who led in "polls" and not at the election box.

Black Woman
September 11 2007, 10:02AM

White southerners are not going to vote for Obama. I would also include white folks from the midwest. These are the folks that Karl Rove successfully pursued and got to vote. These people ain't votin' for Obama and don't trust Hiliary. Unfortunately, I don't think we're ready for a black president. But I want to see more candidates like Obama run in the future. I don't want to wait 20 years for something like this to happen again.

Oprah's become a pinata these past few years. People love to take swings. Not everything she has touched has turned to platinum. Beloved is just one glaring example. Some things have been PR disasters - confrontation of James Frey, her academy in South Africa, discussing her racist experience at Hermes. She's not perfect but at least she tries to make a positive impact in the world. Most people with that power wouldn't even make an attempt. Her successes far outweigh her failures.

J
September 11 2007, 10:37AM

Don't you understand Black Woman, Oprah is evil!

First she messes around and builds schools for poor girls, then she builds homes for Katrina victims, and now that skank is raising money for the first black half black openly half black presidential candidate.

How dare she. That negro woman from the south sitting up there on tv promoting reading, God, and conducting yourself with class. Makes me sick.

MidwestGuy
September 11 2007, 10:48AM

Tjenkins, the real world is the current one in which we live. It is not pretty.

I don't think that those who "chose" to listen to rap, speak improper english, and dress unlike everyone else in society are victims of a slave mentality. In your attempt to find issue w/my post or attack a group of people, you have made several gross mischaracterizations and unfair/ridiculous judgments. There is absolutely no sociological truth to what you said.

I never questioned the realities of racism. Instead, I attempted to point out that all of us who have sought success have done so w/o waiting for a white light. That's reality.

I don't know the term, but we often place limitations on each other, while citing "white people ain't go..." Reality it is not. Maybe self-defeatism?

If blacks play no crucial role in winning elections, then why are most of us Democrats? We've tipped the scales in Dem's favor many an election.

Now we're insignificant?

We have always fought for inclusion. Why stop now?

Billy
September 11 2007, 2:26PM

Amen, Midwest!

donna
September 11 2007, 2:50PM

@Blackwoman...

you know quite a bit about politics ...are you in politics? Michelle is something else...your points are well taken.

Thomas Jenkins
September 11 2007, 5:18PM

Well, you know Midwest, you are right, the real world isn't pretty, and, I still don't see why folks think Obama can make it better. Words and "dreams" don't equate to goals that can be achieved. Just what has he done, along with all the candidates to make the lives of the average American better? They are all paying lip service to whatever crowd they are pandering to, and, I guess at many age, its tired and just more lies for a vote.

I'll skip this election, not one of these candidates, of either party, has said or shown with a track record of results of being any better than the dimwit in WH today.

And, oh yeah, maybe black folks need to rethink this blind loyalty to the Democrats, since as they say, what has that party done for us in almost 50 years? Not much.

Black Woman
September 11 2007, 7:10PM

I'm pessimistic as hell. As bad of shape as this country is in, white folks will still vote for a dumb ass. As long as he is white, from the South, wears Stetson cologne, chews tobacco, and drives a pick up, they're sold.

Yes, Obama and Clinton could potentially do wonders for this country but are they electable? Could they REALLY win the white house. I love me some Clinton. But girlfriend comes with a hell of a lot of baggage. If Clinton or Obama win the democratic primary, we'll have a Republican for president - FOR SURE! Yes, I said it.

Realistically, without all the idealistic bullshit. Edwards is the best shot for the White House. He's white, male, Christian, speaks with a Southern drawl, and drives a truck sometimes. White America love this! Remember, Karl Rove's legions of inbreds? Well they vote in droves and ARE STILL VOTING.

Veronica
September 11 2007, 8:12PM

Of all the posts here, Black woman, you have summed it up pretty good, although, I don't care for Hillary at all. There is still no choice, its still the lesser of a evil. Her baggage is way too much, and more people seem hate her, well the GOP people for sure, and they will be out in droves to vote for anyone but her.

Aaron
September 11 2007, 8:52PM

I respect and really like how Hilary knows her stuff and handles business.

I agree with John Edwards with most of his message and appreciate his pragmatic solutions to the war etc.

but BROTHERS Obama gets my vote because he can do it and MOST of the things we actually think we should elect a president for does not even matter.

The monkey we have in office IS running the country and I would not put his brain and ability to lead up against a 14 year old boy.

The PARTY in charge calls the shots, gives the list of cabinet members, and fills the oval office. Its time for a Black Man or someone close to it to represent EVERYONE.

MidwestGuy
September 11 2007, 8:58PM

I am no different than either of you in my pessimism. However, at some point, we (individually and collectively) have to ask ourselves "what are we fighting for?"

I refuse to concede that my goals are not acheivable. I have a son who I'm raising as a young black man in this old US of A. The same son who was fighting in school last week for defending what his dad told him. Whose BLACK classmate told him that "my dad says that a black man can't be president." That was in direct contrast to what I told him. I've told him that a black man can win but it doesn't mean that he will.

What a message for a child!

In my youth, I often heard family members project what white people won't allow blacks to do. Many of us are stuck in life simply because of that mindset.

We can't succumb!

When are we going to stop giving them so much power to control our lives?

We MUST teach our kids differently.

The scripture doesn't read "I can do all things through [whites] who strengthens me."

Or does it?

DonnaB
September 11 2007, 11:44PM

I have to say this ...Stedman was only dating Oprah for her money even though she was only making 250K/YR HER FIRST TWO OF YEARS HOSTING THE SHOW AND HE WAS MAKING A MEESELY 35k/YEAR.

IF HE WAS IN OPRAH POSITION IN THE BEGIINING OF HER CAREER AND SHE WAS IN HIS POSITION ---HE WOULD HAVE NEVER DATED HER!!!

Veronica
September 12 2007, 7:18AM

I thought this thread was about O and O and O's fundraiser for O, not O and Stedman.

@midwest, well, the negative images are out there about blacks, and black men in particular, so O, has to deal with that as well, and not a day goes by that the negative images aren't shown and reinforced. Its only been 40 years since the door was cracked for us, so, to break the mind set of poverty and neediness isn't going to happen over night. And, there are still plenty who feel white is always right in everything, even with many gays of color fall into that trap.

Oh well only time and the ballot box will tell how he will do and history will decide....

Gordon
September 12 2007, 11:40AM

BLACK FOLK:

Most of us don't try to solve the problems in our community ourselves, most of us expect politicians to do it for us.
Most of us don't vote, but complain about the person who is voted in office when our issues are gone un heard.
Some of us rather travel to the suburbs and spend our dollars, than support struggling local businesses in our community.
Some of us complain about and secretly envy the success of our brothers and sisters. Yet never taking the opportunity to contribute to another person's success but our own....
White people made Oprah rich! They truly did, we bashed her!
Its only a matter of time before some of us doing to Barack Obama...
Oprah supporting Barack is a big deal to me. It means something. However, seeing another successful black person support another does my heart good...Its rare, and almost never happens. But I am also realistic.....
Sorry, but another Republican will fill the seat of Bush.

MidwestGuy
September 12 2007, 11:59AM

Veronica/Gordon HERE HERE!

I will contend that the change we so desire has to begin with us.

There are things we can do for ourselves.

Obama wins either way if he has a sizeable number of blacks who vote for him. If blacks completely switch their voting patterns, don't think it will go unnoticed.

If blacks, in large, decide not to support him, that won't go unnoticed either.

We shouldn't vote/support black just because. The respective candidate or business owner should offer a message or service that 'can' universally benefit us all.

Please closely vet all of the candidates and stop listening to what your favorite tv, radio, or political personality has to say.

It's your vote. You get to make that choice.

J
September 12 2007, 6:05PM

White folk will not pull the lever for Edwards. His neck might be red, but every other part of his body is PINK. He's way too FABULOUS for the south.

Gordon
September 12 2007, 11:38PM

As I stated before, there will be a republican in office once again.

Midwestguy: I don have a favorite tv, radio or political personality. And I still say its sad that the majority of successful black folk have to contribute their success to someone other than their own people.

As for the candidate, they are cowards, but Barack do has a little fire, so I might vote for him because of his ability to not go along with the status quo...Orrrrr maybe NOT!